Early Life and Education
Grigory Viktorovich Berezkin was born in Moscow, Russia, on August 9, 1966. His father was a scientist. He graduated from Moscow State University in 1988 with a degree in Petrochemistry. Berezkin continued his education at Moscow State University, completing his postgraduate studies in 1991 and defending his thesis in 1993. From 1991 to 1994, he worked as a junior research fellow at Moscow State University. He is a Candidate of Chemical Sciences.
Rise to Success
Berezkin's entrepreneurial journey began in the early 1990s. He started by processing cables for oil submersible pumps. He then co-founded the Slavyanka company, which later became the basis for the Seventh Continent supermarket chain. His career took a significant turn when he entered the oil trading business, where he met Roman Abramovich, who was involved in supplying petroleum products. Under Abramovich's influence, Berezkin became Deputy General Director of Komineft. He later became Chairman of the Board of Directors of KomiTEK.
Key Business Strategies
Berezkin's business strategy has focused on the energy sector. He built his wealth through Rusenergosbyt, a Russian energy trading company. He acquired a 65% stake in the RBC media holding. Berezkin has also been involved in selling significant stakes in companies, such as the 49.5% of Rusenergosbyt sold to Enel in 2006 for $105 million.
Philanthropy
Berezkin has supported the Moscow State University since his graduation, specifically assisting the chemistry faculty. He has also been supporting the International Chemistry Olympiad for over 20 years, and in 2022, established the V.G. Berezkin Prize in memory of his father.